Question regarding care of a small Cattleya aurea (= Cattleya dowiana var. aurea)

[Orchid Whisperer]

I acquired my C. Dowiana as a small plant about a month ago. The youngest leaf is about 4 inches long excluding the pseudobulb. It was originally potted in sphagnum in a 4-inch terracotta pot, I worked the sphagnum out & replaced with cork pieces. The newest growth is developing roots, all seems healthy right now.

I understand that adult C. dowiana require a fairly dry rest in the winter (my understanding is not bone dry, but infrequent and light watering, roots only). For those of you experienced with this species, should a small plant like this one be given a similar dry rest? If yes, when would you start growing it drier, how often would you give it some light watering (possibly mist roots only)?

Any advice appreciated. Thanks!

[dendro king]

Small plants should be treated normally, keep the water and fertiliser up to make them big and strong, then rest them.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Thanks for the advice Jack!

[dendro king]

You're more than welcome Orchid Whisperer!

[isurus79]

I never rest my Cattleya seedlings if I can keep the temperature warm. I did this with C. dowiana (among many other species) in the past (and currently) and it worked great. For whatever reason, very young Cattleyas pay no attention to the need for winter rest and it just means you get to bloom them that much more quickly by having new growths all year long.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Thanks Steve.

I posted this question on 3 orchid forums. As you might expect, I received a variety of suggestions, but most seem to group around:
1. No full rest for a seedling - keep it growing.
2. Not too cold
3. Provide water, but easy does it. In their native environment, there is not much rain in the winter, but it remains humid, water may come with morning dew.
4. Pot so that good drainage is maintained. Small terracotta pot, well-drained medium (already done)
5. No winter fertilizer

Sound about right?

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by Orchid Whisperer

Thanks Steve.

I posted this question on 3 orchid forums. As you might expect, I received a variety of suggestions, but most seem to group around:
1. No full rest for a seedling - keep it growing.
2. Not too cold
3. Provide water, but easy does it. In their native environment, there is not much rain in the winter, but it remains humid, water may come with morning dew.
4. Pot so that good drainage is maintained. Small terracotta pot, well-drained medium (already done)
5. No winter fertilizer

Sound about right?

Pretty darn close. You can continue to fertilize, but only if its warm.